by Toyota Land Cruiser 250 Update for the Japanese Market
Toyota has introduced an updated version of the Land Cruiser 250 SUV for the Japanese market, which debuted two years ago. The updates primarily concern equipment and additional features, while the exterior design remains unchanged. It is important to note that currently, the innovations apply only to the gasoline version, while the diesel variant is expected to be updated after December 2026.
New Colors and Optional LED Lighting
The vehicle retains its characteristic boxy shape. The color palette has been expanded with a new Neutral Black shade, which replaced the previous black color, as well as a monotone sandy shade called Sand without a white roof. These join the existing Platinum White Pearl Mica and Avant-Garde Bronze Metallic options.
Furthermore, the VX trim now offers optional round bi-LED headlights, which were previously only available in the limited First Edition series. These headlights give the SUV a more retro look compared to the standard rectangular LED headlights. A similar update recently appeared in the European version of the Land Cruiser.
Enhanced Safety and Interior Comfort
More significant changes have occurred inside the vehicle. The VX trim has received the expanded Toyota Teammate Advanced Drive driver assistance system. Its functions now include traffic jam assist, a driver status monitoring camera, front cross-traffic alert, lane change assist, and emergency steering assist.
Additionally, the SUV now features standard power-adjustable seats: the driver’s seat with eight-way adjustment and memory function, and the front passenger seat with four-way adjustment.
Expanded Anti-Theft Systems
Particular attention was paid to anti-theft systems, which is an important step, considering that the Land Cruiser regularly appears on lists of the most stolen cars in Japan. The new smart key distance measurement system locks the doors and prevents engine start if the key is far from the vehicle. The T-Connect My Start Lock function has also been added, allowing the owner to remotely block engine starting.
Technical Specifications and Price
Under the hood remains the same naturally aspirated 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine producing 160 horsepower, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.
The seven-seat Toyota Land Cruiser VX Gasoline 4WD is already available for order in Japan. Its starting price is ¥5,779,400 (approximately $36,200), which is ¥329,400 (about $2,100) higher than the previous model. As mentioned, the update for the more powerful turbo-diesel version will occur later.
These updates demonstrate Toyota’s strategy of gradually improving the model range, focusing on safety and comfort, especially for the domestic market. The price increase is likely justified by the significantly expanded standard equipment, particularly in the area of driver assistance systems. The focus on anti-theft technologies is a direct response to local market realities and problems. This approach allows the model to remain relevant and competitive without the need for deep design or technical changes, while preserving the classic Land Cruiser identity.
